2026 Subaru Solterra EV 

2nd Generation All-Electric Crossover  

 August 26, 2025 

Subaru has made significant changes to the 2026 Solterra EV even though it was first released in 2023. Two years is a short period but Subaru knew in the fast-paced world of electric vehicles waiting too long would leave them behind. 

The 2026 Solterra has had so many changes that Garrick Goh, carline planning manager for Solterra, said “our attorneys said we could call it all-new.” This is an important distinction that differs from “refreshed” as it indicates some serious changes were made over the previous model. 

Subaru brought automotive journalists to Denver, Colorado for first drives of the 2026 Solterra EV. In its second generation the Solterra EV has improvements in almost all areas making it an even more versatile compact crossover. 

These are some of what you will find in the 2026 Solterra versus the 2025 Solterra, with a more detailed list at the end of this story. 

• Four trims of: Premium; Limited; Limited XT and Touring XT 

• Dual motors 

• Standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) 

• Standard with X-MODE for enhanced off-road driving 

• Curb Weight: 4,395 – 4,510233 pounds 

• *New for 2026* Standard with the North American Charging System (NACS)  

• *New for 2026* Horsepower: Limited XT: 233; Touring XT: 338 

• *New for 2026* Battery: 74.7 kWh Lithium-ion battery with cooling and heating. 

• *New for 2026* 11 kW onboard charger. 

• *New for 2026* Driving Range: Premium: 288 miles; Limited, Limited XT and Limited Touring: 278 miles. 

Subaru entered the electric vehicle world in 2023 with the first generation Solterra SUV. While it did well with Subaru owners, that just wasn’t good enough. Subaru designers and engineers began developing the second generation almost immediately with the outcome being an impressive achievement that places Subaru squarely on buyer’s shopping lists for small all-electric SUVs. 

Hitting The Paved Road 

The all-new 2026 Solterra does exactly what an electric vehicle is meant to do which is smooth, instant acceleration with torque available at any speed. You can forget about any lag from the transmission or engine because the Solterra has neither. 

My drive partner and I departed on city streets and freeways from downtown Denver headed high into the Rocky Mountains. Our curvy route took us through Idaho Springs, on to Nederland, then returning home on the Peak to Peak Byway through Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This was an excellent test for the Solterra EV as the elevation went from 5,280 feet to just under 9,500 feet, passing majestic peaks reaching 14,000 feet. 

The Solterra with the dual motors and AWD delivered spirited acceleration from a stop. When on the freeway at 60 mph and needing to pass traffic we reached 70 mph quickly, even fast. The rush of power was linear and was pulling strong even past 70 mph. 

The 5-door, 5-passenger SUV has two drive modes of Normal (default) and Eco. The former is where we kept the Solterra for strong and even ascending and descending, only opting for Eco when on long-range cruising on the open road. 

The Solterra EV has paddles on the backside of the steering wheel for brake regeneration which replenishes the battery by converting kinetic energy into electricity when braking or coasting. The regeneration can be increased four levels with the left paddle or decreased with the right paddle. The regeneration levels are not as strong as we have tested elsewhere but with time and practice we acclimated using the maximum strength setting. 

The AWD handling was solid with a low center of gravity as the batteries are placed under the seats. We were driving the Touring XT with Bridgestone Turanza 235/50 all-season tires mounted on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels. 18-inch are standard on the Premium trim while Limited and Limited XT get the 20-inch. The 4-wheel independent suspension has MacPherson struts up front, a double-wishbone rear suspension and coil springs and stabilizer bars on both ends. 

We pushed the Solterra Touring XT hard at times, most definitely harder than a family of four or five would ever do. We learned corners taken briskly produced little to no body roll. Modulating the accelerator pedal utilizes the regenerative braking making for the smoothest way to take mountain turns. There were some very accommodating esses to test higher-speed stability as we smoothly rolled through (left-right, left-right) with absolute zero concern for loosing grip. 

The Solterra is not a sports SUV and Subaru does not market it as such. This though does not take anything away from what their engineers have designed. The quick-ratio electric power steering, vehicle dynamics control with all-wheel, all-speed traction control, active cornering assist, and torque vectoring will make emergency highway avoidance maneuvers as safe and controlled as possible. 

Hitting The Dirt Road 

Subaru cut an off-highway course through an Aspen forest and a broad, alpine meadow causing us to pause and take-in the surrounding beauty. The Solterra is built to take moderate off-roading adventures so tackling a gravel forest road to get to your favorite fly fishing stream or the ski cabin will not present any issues.

We were glad to have 8.3-inches of ground clearance when we engaged X-MODE to descend a steep section. Features of Subaru’s off-road system include drive settings for Snow, Dirt and Deep Snow and Mud modes, Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control. 

Slowing and Stopping 

The Solterra does not have full one pedal driving where it would come to a complete stop through regenerative braking, or more accurately the motors reversing to do the slowing. Subaru did include a Brake Hold button that when engaged and the brake pedal is pushed it holds the Solterra at a stop, eliminating the need to press on the brake pedal. This is a welcome feature for anyone that has commuted as it relieves pressure on the driver’s right leg. 

The ventilated front and rear anti-lock disc brakes, with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, stopped the Solterra straight without pedal fade. 

Charging 

The Solterra comes with a pre-conditioner that brings the battery to an optimum charging temperature, heated or cooled to 70º F. The battery can be trickle charged with a 120V common wall plug, but expect replenish times to be long and slow. The best bet for owners will be to install a Level 2, 240V home charger that will deliver a full charge overnight while sleeping. 

The 2026 Solterra is equipped with a North American Charging System (NACS) charging port, giving it access to thousands of high-speed Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide. DC fast charging, at a 150 kW maximum, will go from 10% – 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes. 

New Platform 

Changes from 2025 to 2026 to the Solterra platform include: 

• Front subframe redesign 

• Radiator support structure 

• Motor mounts 

• Steering rack mounting 

• Control arms, hubs, wheel bearings, bushings and axles 

• Roof structure 

• Retuned suspension 

• Improved crash structure 

• Additional sound insulation 

• Lighter motors with more power 

• Increased vibration-absorbent structural adhesives in the floorpan 

Smoothed-out Exterior 

The exterior design has been updated with a sleeker front end with changes to the fascia and lighting, and on some trims the option for color-matched over-fenders. The nose and bumper are curved leading into sleek narrow slit LED headlights and the six-star Subaru logo is now illuminated. The headlight washers re appreciated as your Solterra will certainly be getting muddy off-road. Sculpting on the doors and rear quarter panels added a nice touch for the six exterior color options. 

The front and rear overhangs are short, with low profile roof rails that can support 700 pounds when parked and 178 pounds when moving. Depending on the trim there is an optional power sunroof and foot-activated power lift gate. The dual-wing ducktail top spoiler and a more conventional lip spoiler at the bottom of the steeply sloped glass work together to keep the rear glass clean. Narrow LED tail lights, with a connecting light strip, take-up little space on the rear. 

New Interior Design 

Driver visibility is very good with thin A pillars, a sloping hood, and tall windows. The front seats are heated and supportive, with power adjustments for the driver and for the passenger in all but the Premium trim. The rear seat holds two comfortably, three in a pinch. The cargo space behind the rear seats increases when the 60:40 second row split seat is laid flat. 

Seats are covered in SofTex, a synthetic leather while leather seat coverings are available in the Touring XT. 

The standard multimedia system has a 14.0-inch color touchscreen with a six speaker audio unit that includes SiriusXM, AM/FM radio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Harmon Kardon premium audio system is optional as is a digital rearview mirror with Homelink. Navigation, Siri, USB-C ports (4), 1,500 watt AC outlet, and wireless phone charging are standard. 

Pricing and Availability 

Pricing will be announced just before the 2026 Solterra EV goes on-sale sometime in November 2025. 

Make sure to follow Car-Revz-Daily on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, X, and Tik Tok . 

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Subaru. 

Bio 

John Faulkner is the Road Test Editor and Senior Writer at Clean Fleet Report. He has more than 30 years’ experience branding, launching and marketing automobiles. He has worked with General Motors (all Divisions), Chrysler (Dodge, Jeep, Eagle), Ford and Lincoln-Mercury, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota on consumer events, vehicle launches and sales training programs. His interest in automobiles is broad and deep, beginning as a child riding in the back seat of his parent’s 1950 Studebaker. He is a journalist member of the Motor Press Guild and Western Automotive Journalists. 

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Features, specifications and equipment for the 2026 Subaru Solterra Premium, Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT 

• Solterra is Subaru’s first global all-electric vehicle  

• All-electric drivetrain delivers on-demand torque at all speeds with driver-selectable power and regenerative modes  

• Five-door SUV offering full range of Subaru SUV capabilities and advanced safety technology  

• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive  

• 8.3-inch ground clearance  

• Built on e-SUBARU Global Platform  

• EPA-estimated EV range of 288 miles for Premium, 278 miles for Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT   

New for 2026 

• New Solterra Limited XT and Touring XT: 

• Uprated front and rear electric motors for 338 horsepower  

• Uprated front and rear motors on Solterra, making 233 horsepower  

• NACS-style compatible charging port on right front fender 

• Dual wireless 15W smartphone chargers 

• 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen 

• Astro Black Mica fenders and cladding (body color on Smoked Carbon and Cosmic White Pearl) 

• New front lighting signature with illuminated six-star Subaru logo and headlight washers 

• New Subaru badging 

• Uprated 74.7-kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery 

• 11-kW onboard charger 

Key Facts / Mechanical 

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive via synchronous electric motors with integrated transaxle and power inverter at front and rear axles  

• 233 total horsepower (Solterra) 

• 338 total horsepower (Solterra XT) 

• DC fast-charging: 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes  

• Charge port integrated into right fender  

• Single-ratio reduction-gear front and rear transaxles  

• Driving Mode Select (Eco, Normal Power) 

• Regenerative Braking Force Selection (5 settings) 

• X-MODE® Dual Mode System 

• Snow / Dirt and Deep Snow / Mud modes  

• Grip Control  

• Downhill Assist Control  

• Four-wheel independent suspension  

• 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers standard on Premium 

• 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels on Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT 

• Active Cornering Assist  

• Hill-Start Assist Control  

• Traction Control  

• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)  

Key Facts / Design and Function 

• Aerodynamic vehicle under-covers  

• Lower body cladding in black  

• Standard low-profile roof rails 

• Standard ducktail spoiler at bottom of rear glass  

• Roof-mounted dual-spoiler with aerodynamic fins on Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT models  

• Standard 14-inch high-resolution touchscreen  

• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ standard  

• Intelligent Assistant with dual-zone voice control for HVAC, audio, phone, vehicle information, and more (subscription)  

• Sound-insulating windshield and front door glass standard  

• LED daytime running lights  

• LED low- and high-beam headlights with Automatic High Beam standard  

• Two-position load floor for maximum cargo and passenger flexibility; up to 119.5 cu. ft. of passenger + cargo space 

Key Facts / Safety 

• Standard EyeSight® driver assist technologies include:  

• Emergency Steering Assist 

• Intersection Collision Avoidance Support  

• Pre-Collision Brake Assist  

• Pre-Collision Acceleration Suppression (low speed)  

• Proactive Driving Assist for pedestrian, vehicle, and cyclist avoidance assistance  

• Lane Departure Prevention  

• Lead Vehicle Start Alert  

• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Tracing Assist  

• Emergency Driving Stop Assist 

• Road Sign Assist with Vehicle Speed Limit Warning 

• Front Radar Sensor  

• Hands-free driving at speeds slower than 25 MPH on supported roads (Active Navigation subscription required) 

• Automatically resumes driving when traffic starts moving again (Active Navigation subscription required) 

• Assists with changing lanes when the turn signal is activated 

• Front Cross Traffic Alert makes it easier to enter a busy intersection 

• Blind-Spot Monitors  

• Parking Support Brake System with object and vehicle detection 

• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 

• Rear Camera Detection with Pedestrian Warning  

• Safe Exit Assist  

• Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree overhead view) standard on Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT 

• Eight airbags: Advanced Frontal Airbags, front seat side pelvis/torso airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, driver and front passenger knee airbags  

Basic Specifications 

• Body           5-passenger SUV 

• Wheelbase 112.2 in.  

• Length 184.6 in. 

• Height 65.0 in.  

• Width 73.2 in. 

• Ground clearance 8.3 in.  

• Base curb weight 4,395 lbs. 

• Drivetrain: Synchronous electric motor with integrated transaxle at front and rear axles ` 

• Horsepower (Solterra): 233 hp 

• Horsepower (Solterra XT): 338 hp 

• Range: 288 miles Premium/278 miles Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT 

Standard Equipment – Solterra Premium  

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive  

• Subaru StarDrive® Technology (EV drivetrain)  

• Shift-by-wire: rotary shift knob  

• Park position button  

• Driving Mode Select: Eco, Normal, Power  

• Regenerative Braking Force Selection: 5 levels  

• EyeSight® Driver Assist Technologies  

• 12-volt power outlet  

• 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers  

• 235/60 R18 103V all-season tires  

• 60/40 split-folding rear seatback 

• 10-way power driver’s seat, including 2-way power lumbar support w/ two-position memory and Power Easy Access System  

• Active Cornering Assist  

• Ambient interior lighting  

• Automatic Climate Control with S-Flow HVAC management  

• Automatic charging cable lock  

• Auto anti-glare inside rear view-mirror with Homelink®  

• Vehicle charge port on rightfront fender  

• Blind-Spot Monitors  

• Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS, Brake Assist, Brake Hold, and Brake Override  

• Combination meter with 7-inch LCD 

• Dark tint privacy glass  

• Digital Key (using SUBARUCONNECT™ app)  

• X-MODE® Dual Mode System with Grip Control  

• Electronic parking brake  

• Electric adaptive power assist steering  

• Footwell lighting: Front seat positions 

• Heated front seats: 3-mode with auto setting  

• Heated exterior mirrors  

• Hill-Start Assist Control  

• Illuminated inner door handles  

• Impact Detection Door Lock Release and Interior Illumination System  

• Keyless Access with Power Switch  

• LATCH system  

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with infotainment, driver-assist control, paddle shift switches  

• LED Daytime Running Lights  

• LED headlights (multi-beam low and single-beam high)  

• My Room Mode: Vehicle accessory operation via external power source while charging 

• 14-inch multimedia system with touchscreen; wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™; and available cloud-based navigation (subscription required)  

• Parking Support Brake System  

• Power door locks, exterior mirrors, and charging door  

• Power front and rear windows with one-touch auto up/down 

• Power rear door with automatic close and height memory  

• Front Cross-Traffic Alert 

• Rain-sensing wiper system  

• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert  

• Rear door “ducktail” spoiler  

• Rear Seat Reminder  

• Rear Vision Camera with Pedestrian Warning and camera washer 

• Safe Exit Assist 

• SUBARUCONNECT™ (subscription) 

• Intelligent Assistant (subscription) 

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual wheel display 

• Turn signals with one-touch lane changer 

• Dual 15W wireless smartphone chargers – front center console, upper 

• (Dual) USB-C charge ports – front center console, lower (Driver side input) 

• (Dual) USB-C charge ports – rear center console (60W total) 

• Upholstery: Black StarTex®   

• Vehicle Stability Control  

• Welcome Lighting 

• Windshield wiper deicer  

Standard Equipment – Limited/Limited XT adds or substitutes over Premium  

• 8-way power front passenger seat 

• 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels  

• 235/50 R20 100V all-season tires  

• Advanced Park  

• Exterior mirrors: power-folding with integrated turn signals; passenger side auto tilt; two-position memory synchronized with driver’s seat position and footwell lighting  

• Harman Kardon® premium speaker system  

• Heated rear seats (outboard positions)  

• Heated steering wheel: 360-degree Parking Support Brake System (adds Pedestrian Detection)  

• Panoramic View Monitor  

• Power rear lift gate with kick to open/close 

• Roof-mounted dual-spoiler with aerodynamic fins  

Standard Equipment – Touring XT adds or substitutes over Limited/Limited XT 

• Digital rear-view mirror camera with view position adjustment and Homelink®  

• Ventilated front seats  

• LED footwell lighting: front and rear seat positions  

• Panoramic moonroof with power sunshade  

• Radiant leg warmers: Driver and passenger 

• Retractable luggage cover  

• Available two-tone paint 

• Optional Black and Blue Leather Upholstery